Publisher
source

University of East Anglia

Just Landed

PhD Studentship: The Net Effect of Sex on Adaptation University of East Anglia in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Available

Deadline

Dec 16, 2026

Country flag

Country

United Kingdom

University

University of East Anglia

Social connections

How do I apply for this?

Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.

Meet Kite AI

More information can be found here

Keywords

Computer Science
Evolutionary Biology
Population Genetics
Environmental Science
Biostatistics
Biology
Comparative Genomics
Drosophila Research
Statistics
Bioinformatic
Evolution biology

Suggested scholarships

About this position

[Fully funded studentship covering fees, maintenance stipend of £21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, and a research training and support grant (RTSG). Limited studentships available for international applicants with home/international fee difference waived; does not cover visa or health surcharge costs.]

PhD Studentship: The Net Effect of Sex on Adaptation at the University of East Anglia explores a fundamental evolutionary question: why is sexual reproduction so widespread, and what is the long-run balance between sexually concordant selection and sexually antagonistic selection?

This project combines comparative genomics in Drosophila with population genetic simulations to understand how sex-specific selection influences population viability and adaptation. Research themes include: modelling the theoretical effects of sexually antagonistic and sexually concordant selection in SLiM; comparing lab-estimated genomic targets of selection across ten Drosophila species; contrasting obligately sexual and facultatively asexual species; and analysing how sex-specific selection has shaped adaptation to temperate climates and the move out of Africa.

The project sits within UEA’s strong research environment and the wider Norwich Research Park, with access to collaborative expertise and bioinformatic support. It is part of the Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, and the student will receive direct training from the primary supervisor and lab in evolutionary theory, population genetics, Drosophila husbandry, experimental design, biological statistics, bioinformatics, and scientific writing.

Funding is through ARIES/UKRI terms and conditions. Successful applicants meeting eligibility criteria will receive a fully funded studentship covering fees, a maintenance stipend of £21,805 p.a. for 2026/27, and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of awards are available for international applicants, with the home/international fee difference waived by the registering university, though relocation, visa, and health surcharge costs are not covered.

Eligibility: applicants should typically hold a degree in biology, ecology, evolution, genetics, or a related field. Experience with Drosophila, evolutionary biology, statistics, coding, or bioinformatics is helpful, but enthusiasm to learn is also valued. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience and potential.

Application deadline: 16 December 2026. Apply via the UEA postgraduate research application portal and complete the required ARIES Equality and Diversity Form after submitting the project application.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants should have a degree in biology, ecology, evolution, genetics or a similar subject. Helpful experience includes Drosophila work and evolutionary knowledge, plus enthusiasm to learn statistics, coding, and bioinformatics. UKRI eligibility criteria apply for full funding; a limited number of studentships are available for international applicants.

How to apply

Apply through the UEA postgraduate research application portal. After submitting the application for the relevant ARIES project, complete the ARIES Equality and Diversity Form for 2027 entry. If applying to more than one project, submit a separate form for each.

Ask ApplyKite AI

Start chatting
Can you summarize this position?
What qualifications are required for this position?
How should I prepare my application?